Annanu explained to Nanshe what had happened in the underworld, but in truth, it made little difference whether he explained it or not.
After all, Annanu had merely taken a stroll through the underworld. He had not done anything strange, and nothing unexpected had ever happened between him and Ereshkigal. He had neither tried to please her nor offended her. My ass!
"You gave her flowers! Flowers! You've never even given me flowers—aaaaah!!!!"
Nanshe twisted about in utter despair.
"What's the big deal? Your situation is different from Ereshkigal's. There was no need to give you flowers." Annanu's eyes held a trace of baffled confusion. "There are so many flowers growing here. If you want some, can't you just pick them yourself?"
All color drained from Nanshe's face.
"My divine life... has no meaning."
Even the way she walked became listless and forlorn.
Gilgamesh's expression was somewhat strange as he looked at Annanu, unable to tell whether Annanu genuinely did not understand or was merely pretending not to.
But either way, that was pretty damn impressive.
"My king, how long will this journey take?"
Siduri followed behind the others, worry in her eyes.
Though it might sound somewhat arrogant, for the city of Uruk, the most important person was Gilgamesh first, and Siduri herself second.
Every decree issued by King Gilgamesh had to pass through her hands. The temple's affairs required her approval as well, and much of the city's basic operation depended on her oversight.
She had no idea how long this journey would last, and Siduri truly did not wish to leave Uruk.
She did not want to witness more novel and wondrous things. All she thought about was how to make that beautiful city better.
"It is of no concern, Siduri. You need not worry about Uruk's